Skill is to have expertise in something and/or possess the ability to do something well. Talent, on the other hand, is something else. If you were to say to someone who has skill that they are talented, is that overlooking the practice, dedication, and discipline of that individual to attain that skill? Some may say that in this respect, “talent” does not exist. By definition, talent means a natural aptitude or “skill”, and this makes talent sound as if it is some sort of special power genetically bestowed upon an individual. Well that isn't a far-fetched assumption, but I see talent and skill as two separate kinds of abilities that measure an individual’s potential at any given endeavor.

Practice Makes Perfect Skill is textbook ability. As aforementioned skill is an ability to do something well, so someone trying to attain a new skill is someone who wants to possess the ability to do the act of whatever it is they are practicing, well. If they want to be considered an expert they will invest more time and energy into the practice to emulate all that is found in the study. This gives the appearance of exceptional ability, and when compared to the average individual within the same practice whose skill is of 101 or basic level, their ability is exceptional therefore making them an expert by comparison. Time is a factor with skill, and if I observed someone who has exceptional ability, I would not say that individual has talent, I would call it what it is, skill.Some Common Characteristics of a Skilled Individual: · Discipline · Patience · Dedication · IntrovertWorth Your Weight in Gold In ancient Rome, the word talent was a unit measurement of mass. It was also used to measure the value of said mass with the corresponding precious metal translation. I speculate that this might have had something to do with the old saying. As for someone possessing talent as a measure of “natural ability”, I turn my attention to the largest source of talented individuals, the entertainment industry. Specifically in the music industry there is a position at most labels called an A&R. Artist and repertoire is a position that places an individual in venues to scout for “talent”, and it is their job to find talent that would be considered a profitable investment for their label. How do they know if someone is talented? Talent isn’t just a matter of how well an artist can perform, but whether or not they are getting a reaction from and are able to move the audience.Some Common Characteristics of a Talented Individual: · Charm · Influence · Attractive · ExtrovertThe Fast Track It is not enough to have an exceptional level of skill, because if no one is going to pay attention then they’re not going to pay cash either. Likewise, talent that isn't backed by skill (or the support of those with it) will only get one so far before the luster fades and the act becomes another gimmick in history. I said talent and skill are two separate abilities, but more often than not one is mistaken for the other. They are similar when defined as an individual who has ability, but skill is ability with internal value whereas talent is ability with external value. I also told you that these two abilities measure an individual’s potential at any endeavor. Imagine a train track represents a goal, activity, or achievement you wish to accomplish. Now imagine an old school hand car, you know like the ones in the black & white cartoons, that represents you. On one side of the lever one may have talent or skill, but without the complimenting ability to work the other side of the lever, it will be hard to gain enough momentum to get on the fast track.